League 1 Swindon Town are coming to Petersfield

Petersfield Town are hoping for a bumper crowd for their high profile pre-season friendly against League 1 side Swindon Town.

The Wessex League Division 1 champions will be welcoming the Wiltshire side to Love Lane on Tuesday, July 15, kick-off at 7.45pm.

Swindon manager Mark Cooper is bringing his full first team squad to Petersfield as he prepares his side for the new Football League season.

The Robins finished in eighth place in League 1 last season, just two places outside the play-off positions, and they will be among the favourites in the division to launch a promotion bid to reach the Championship during the 2014-15 campaign.

Swindon supporters travelling to the game will be able to get a close look at their team and see how their players are shaping up ahead of the new season.

Petersfield fans will get the chance to see how their side fares against a professional club as manager Ian Saunders continues to shape his squad ahead of their Wessex Premier Division campaign, which kicks-off on August 2.

The Rams are much fancied to finish high up the Premier Division table and home supporters will get the chance to see their favourite players from last season again, as well as the new signings they hope will take them to new heights during the forthcoming season.

Petersfield Town manager Ian Saunders said: “The Swindon Town friendly is fantastic for our club. This fixture certainly gives the community of Petersfield something to look forward to as we very rarely get a professional team playing in the town.

“It is also a great opportunity for my players to experience the tempo and ability that we all strive to achieve. The score on the evening will not be important but we hope to compete in a manner befitting last season’s exploits.

“It is also good to build relationships with professional clubs and we hope this fixture will be the start of an annual alliance.”

Gates open at the Love Lane stadium at 6.30pm, with the clubhouse bar open and food available all evening. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2 for children and £2 for OAPs and entrance is payable on the night.

Due to the size of the crowd expected for the match, supporters of both sides are urged to use the festival hall car park in the town centre – parking there is free on the night of the match – and walk to the stadium.

The car park is located off Heath Road – the postcode for the car park is GU31 4EA. The Love Lane stadium is just over five minutes’ walk away. Leave the car park via the path next to the outdoor swimming pool and walk up the hill – next to the two lane one way system heading towards you. Love Lane is on your right hand side at the top of the hill just before the road bends round to the left. Walk up this road and the stadium entrance is in the car park at the end of this road.